TOP 10 FASCINATING TOURIST SPOT TO VISIT IN MALACCA

Malacca, an extraordinary city with a wealth of remarkable and precious heritage. Sightseeing around Malacca is simply cinch, either on foot or by opting the famous-must-ride trishaw which has been beautifully decorated for a memorable ride in the historical city. Malacca which has been a common route for tourists who goes to Kuala Lumpur, is regarded as a historic hub of Malaysia. It reflects the past times of the national landscape especially in the colonial years and also the culture of Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan culture.

1. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

This is one of the most significant values in Malacca placed close to the Hindu temple Sri Pogyatha Vinoyagar along Jalan Hang Lekiu (in Jonker Street). Built in 1646, also recognised as the ‘Merciful Cloud Temple’ it is billed as the oldest Buddhist spot of respect in the country/ faithful to Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy. A black, gold and red-robed statue of the goddess stands in the central prayer hall. Cheng Hoon Teng temple was builted by Chan Lak Koa, son-in-law to Captain Li, Malacca’s second Chinese kapitan. (Malacca, n.d.)

2. Jonker Street

Jonker Street

Jonker Walk is a street in the historical Chinatown of Malacca starting just across the river from the Dutch Square. Being surrounded on both sides of the road with heritage houses dating back up to the 17th century, it is totally a walk in the time tunnel. Nowadays, the street houses have turned into shops selling street food, antiques, textiles, handicrafts and souvenirs.

3. Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum

Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum

The 'Straits Chinese', also called the Baba and Nyonya, are Chinese of noble descent who have embraced much of the Malay culture into theirs. (GoGoMelaka, n.d.) This has been on-going process over 400 years since the great Chinese explorer Admiral Cheng Ho first brought Chinese immigrants to Malacca. Over the eras, the Baba-Nyonya has advanced a distinct and highly remarkable culture that is rare on Malaysia's west coast, particularly Malacca. The public can now view the antique artefacts specific to this legacy at a fascinating reserved museum run by the Baba-Nyonya of Malacca. Within the walls of this tradition building, you can discover everything there is to know about this rare culture.

4. A’ Farmosa

A' Famosa

A’Famosa or known as "The Famous" in Portuguese is the prime landmark in Malacca. Built in 1511, it is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. Previously it was a settlement stretching across the hillside, located downhill from St. Paul’s Church. The fort was almost demolished in 1810 by Sir Stamford Raffles. Nowadays, only Porta de Santiago, a small gatehouse, is the only part of the fortress salvaged from the destruction. It is a must go for tourist, and you can view the spectacular view of the city from the top of the hill.

5. Christ Church

Christ Church

This 18th-century Protestant church in the town of Malacca, Malaysia is the oldest operative Protestant church in Malaysia and is within the authority of the Lower Central Archdeaconry of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. The Dutch take-over Malacca from the Portuguese Empire in 1641 saw the direction of the Roman Catholicism and the adaptation of existing churches to Dutch Reformed use. The old St. Paul's Church at the conference of St. Paul Hill was renamed the Bovenkerk (High Church) and used as the main town church of the Dutch community.

6. The Stadthuys

The Stadthuys

The Stadthuys which was built between 1641 and 1660 on the ruins of a Portuguese fort is believed to be the oldest-surviving Dutch building in the East. This massive bright terracotta-red riverfront building with prominent Dutch colonial architecture was once the official residence of Dutch governors and officers. The Stadthuys was reformed into a museum in 1982 displaying common Dutch colonial architecture with massive walls, louvered windows and chunky doors with wrought-iron hinges. (Quayside Hotel, n.d.)

7. Malacca River Cruise

Malacca River Cruise

Malacca River is the watercourse that cuts across Malacca town, flowing through the Straits of Malacca. Small boats transport tourist up and down the historical buildings, old warehouses (godowns), exotic mangrove stands, churches, and villages.  The tours last about 45 minutes in boats ranging from 20- to 40-seaters, and generally a minimum of eight passengers is required before departure. (Melaka River Cruise, n.d.)

8. Maritime Museum

Maritime Museum

Malacca Maritime Museum has been opened to the public starting from 1994. Being a facsimile of the Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese ship said to have been shipping wealth robbed from Malacca when it sank off the coast of Malacca on its way back to Portugal, this unique museum is an illuminating trip back into Malacca’s past. (Malacca, n.d.) The museum is divided into different eras that Malacca has gone through, from the Melaka Sultanate period, to Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. The Melaka Maritime Museum aims to highlight Malacca’s importance back in the day as ‘a regional and international business centre’. 

9. Taming Sari Tower

Taming Sari Tower

The Taming Sari Tower the first and only gyro tower in Malaysia so far was officially opened for business on the 18th of April 2008. With a height of 110 metres, this rotating tower provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Malacca town and beyond from the top. A magnificent view of Malacca as far as the eye can see, up to the Straits of Malacca, is clearly visible, especially in a good weather, with the Malacca River running through the grand panorama below.

10. Cultural Museum / Malacca Sultanate Palace

Cultural Museum / Malacca Sultanate Palace

The building is a contemporary rebuilding of the palace of the Sultans of Malacca. It is a showcase of the past of the region. Melaka Sultanate Palace is a wooden model of Sultan Mansur Shah’s 15th-century palace. Placed at the base of St. Paul’s Hill, it was carefully constructed in 1985 using old-fashioned building methods and resources, based on credits in the 16th century, Malay Annals text.